Garcetti appoints Jan Perry to head Economic Development Department

She will serve as interim director

Mayor Eric Garcetti Wednesday announced the appointment of former Councilmember Jan Perry as interim director of the Economic Development Department, Doane Liu as Deputy Mayor of City Services, and Rich Llewellyn as counsel to the Mayor.

“I’m excited that Jan Perry and I will be working closely together on getting people back to work and helping businesses open and grow,” Garcetti said. “Jan’s work in revitalizing Downtown and South Park exemplify the kind of leadership and expertise we need to turn this department into a true economic engine for our city.”

“Mayor Garcetti and I share a passion for revitalizing neighborhoods and improving the quality of life for all Angelenos,” Perry said. “I am excited to support the mayor’s vision to put Angelenos to work and to make it clear that Los Angeles is open for business.”

Garcetti and Perry led dramatic turnarounds of neighborhoods, including Hollywood, Silver Lake, Echo Park, Downtown and South Park. Their work improved both the quality of life for residents and evidenced dramatic economic gains. They also worked closely to create the DWP ratepayer advocate and on Proposition O, the nation’s largest local water initiative, which supported infrastructure repair, the restoration of wetlands in South L.A. and the restoration of Echo Park and Lake.

Doane Liu was chief of staff to Councilmember Joe Buscaino and previously served as chief of staff for Councilmember Janice Hahn, deputy mayor for James K. Hahn, and district director for Congresswoman Jane Harman. As deputy mayor of city services, he will oversee the city departments that directly impact neighborhoods, such as DWP, Recreation and Parks, Transportation, and the Department of Public Works.

Rich Llewellyn was most recently chief of staff to Councilmember Paul Koretz. He was also Garcetti’s first Council chief of staff and was special counsel to District Attorney Gil Garcetti. He was also chief deputy city attorney under Rocky Delgadillo and served as senior deputy to L.A. County Supervisor Ed Edelman. He will continue as transition director, and as counsel will provide legal advice and serve as a senior advisor to the mayor on a host of issues.